This Ain't Barbie Hair! Alternative Hair Fibers and Curling Instruction
By Jerry Holt, Senior Research and Development and Educator at International Hairgoods Just like the hair replacement industry offers “alternative hair solutions,” there are alternatives to human hair. Created fiber, alternative fiber and synthetic are all terms used to describe “nonhuman hair.” While semantics may be considered a marketing gimmick, consider how your client feels about something they perceive as unnatural. Synthetic fibers commonly used consist of modacrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polyester and nylon. Modacrylic (K7). Commonly used in wigs. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Curling temperature 190 degrees F Replicates human hair denier Melting temperature 390 degrees F Moist heat Won’t absorb water
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Very shiny by itself and common in costume or Cosplay wigs, and of course, Barbie doll hair. ■ Curling temperature 190 degrees F ■ Moist heat ■ Won’t absorb water Polyester is also known as its marketing name of Futura. ■ Curling temperature 250 degrees F ■ Moist and dry heat ■ Won’t absorb water Nylon is also known as cyberhair and vital hair. Made from nylon chips with color throughout. ■ Curling temperature 320 degrees F to 365 degrees (depending on the type) ■ Keeps factory-made textures and curl ■ Replicates human hair shine ■ Three times lighter than human hair ■ Moist and dry heat ■ Absorbs water like human hair 26
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